Burnout and frustration have led to a shortage and massive turnover of teachers who work with special-needs students.

Dr. Laura Bixler, professor of special education at East Central University, is trying to help fix those problems after recently participating in a forum at the State Capitol. The forum was designed to address ways and ideas in limiting that turnover while improving resources and training for teachers in the State of Oklahoma.

John Waters is a man of many monikers - ‘The Prince of Puke,’ ‘The Duke of Dirt,’ and ‘The Sultan of Sleeze.’

The raconteur will serve as the keynote speaker in “This Filthy World” as a part of Momentum Ada 2017 on Friday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre of East Central University’s Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. The event is recommended for mature audiences only.

Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (retired), will be the keynote speaker as East Central University’s Veterans Upward Bound Program is set to host Veterans and Military Appreciation Day on Thursday, May 18, in ECU Foundation Hall of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.

Janet Alexander, dean’s secretary for East Central University’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, captured first place in her age division in the 5k race at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Run to Remember. Alexander, competing in the 65-69 women’s age group, clocked in at 32:26, which was 4:20 better than her closest challenger in Sharon Gooden, of Kingfisher. Alexander has run in 80 races and has placed first in her age group 59 times, since 2006.

East Central University is expected to grant bachelor’s degrees to 496 candidates and master’s degrees to 153 more during ECU’s 2017 Spring Commencement Ceremonies Saturday, May 6, at the Kerr Activities Center.

J. Michael Prince, a global retail executive, will be the keynote speaker during the 10 a.m. ceremony while former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh will address candidates during the 2 p.m. exercises.

Dr. Michael Scott, professor of business administration in East Central University’s Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business, was selected for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Region 6 Teaching Excellence Award for 2017.

For the third year in a row, an ECU faculty member from the Stonecipher School of Business has been honored. Dr. Stacey Bolin was chosen for the award in 2016 and Dr. Thomas A. Zeni in 2015.

East Central University's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community
interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area,
East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.